Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs: A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion
There’s something magical about homemade cream puffs, especially when they come from a family recipe that has been cherished for generations. Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are no exception.
These little bites of heaven are light, fluffy, and filled with a rich, creamy vanilla filling that makes each puff an irresistible treat. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or as a delightful dessert after a cozy meal, these cream puffs are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry:
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- 4 eggs
For Mom’s Famous Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
- ⅓ cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the butter, water, and vanilla to a boil.
- Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously. Continue stirring until the mixture pulls away from the sides and forms a thick dough ball.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, incorporating each egg completely before adding the next. Continue until the dough becomes smooth and shiny.
- Bake the Puffs:
- Drop tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door early as the drafts can cause them to collapse.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, and milk together until the mixture is thick and holds peaks like whipped cream.
- Assemble the Cream Puffs:
- Once the puffs are cool, slice each one in half horizontally.
- Pipe or scoop the thick vanilla cream into the bottom half of each puff, then gently replace the top.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
